Local authorities urge residents to stay safe while driving this winter.

Chippewa County Sheriff Mike Bitnar advised drivers to slow down in winter and give themselves more time to travel. Bitnar added that first responders work in winter conditions and drivers need to be patient and slow down to ensure the safety of these workers.

He also encouraged drivers to turn on their headlights and fasten their seat belts when driving. Do not use the cruise control system on snowy, icy or wet roads. Prepare safety items such as flashlights and blankets in the car, and check the tires or place them if necessary. Possibly, on snow tires. 

Sault Police Chief Fran DeShano provided the following tips for safe winter driving:

"If you end up in a car accident, our main concern is your safety," Desiano said in an email. "Other approaching drivers have the same dangerous situation. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, such as a parking lot, driveway or road shoulder. If your vehicle is disabled, please stay in the vehicle and turn on the lights and Keep flashing lights until rescuers arrive. Do not stand outside the car when you are on the road."

Marie Sousse has issued a winter preparation consultation guide to guide residents through the winter, regardless of whether they have just arrived in the area. One of the parts that needs attention is how to deal with the snow blower. The driver needs to keep a distance of at least 200 feet from the plow cart to ensure that the driver can see you at any time, giving you time to slow down or stop, and avoid obstructing visibility due to released materials or snow clouds. It is important to remember that the plow truck may need to reverse at an intersection during a snowfall response. The driver needs to leave the room to do so.

In addition, the truck will release salt and sand from the back of the truck. If you are too close to the truck, the material may hit your windshield and obstruct visibility. The pilot should not pass from the right because the plow will push the snow to the right shoulder and may use wings, which are usually 6 to 8 feet long and difficult to see.

According to the regulations of the Highway Safety Planning Office, drivers should carry emergency supplies with them in winter. These items include:

The Office of Highway Safety Planning also recommends that the parking distance on icy and snowy roads can be increased by up to 10 times, so please drive slowly and pay attention to pedestrians, especially at intersections and crosswalks. Please note that pedestrians may be blocked by snow banks, or it may be difficult to see pedestrians in low-light winter weather. Do not shovel or plow snow on the sidewalk. This will force pedestrians to walk on the road.

The authorities also encourage all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. In 2017 alone, seat belts saved approximately 14,955 lives in the United States. If they fastened their seat belts, they could have saved another 2,549 lives. The waist and shoulder straps should fit snugly against the hips and chest. Never put the shoulder strap behind your back.

Children should buckle the car seat or booster seat until they are at least 4 feet 9 years old. "Even if they are old enough to use adult seat belts, they should sit in the back seat until they are 13 years of age or older. Do not wear fluffy coats or snow jackets for babies or toddlers. The seat belt straps cannot fit the baby’s chest tightly. Wear thinner clothes to keep the straps tight, and then cover them with a blanket or jacket.

For more information, please visit www.michigan.gov/winterdriving.

— Contact news reporter Taylor Worsham at tworsham@sooeveningnews.com.